How to Make Christmas Tote Bags

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How to Make Christmas Tote Bags

Overview

Just check out all those fun Christmas fabrics, and you'll agree that they will make beautiful tote bags. Make Christmas tote bags to carry your everyday necessities during the holiday season. Transport your gifts from one place to another in one, or use one as a gift bag by simply placing the gift inside and covering it with tissue paper. The recipient not only gets the gift inside, but the bag too.

Step 1

Measure and cut two pieces of Christmas fabric for the tote bag 14 inches wide by 18 inches long. (You can vary these measurements for your own tote bags, if you like.) From the same fabric, cut two pieces 4 inches wide by 14 inches long for the handles. Measure and cut two pieces of Christmas lining fabric 14 inches wide by 18 inches long.

Step 2

Place the two pieces of tote bag fabric together, with the right sides facing each other. Match the edges and pin the 18-inch sides and 14-inch bottom. Sew the pinned edges together using a 1/2-inch seam allowance.

Step 3

Repeat step 2 for the lining fabric. Leave a 4-inch opening on the bottom edge for turning.

Step 4

Match one side seam of the tote bag with the bottom seam. Measure across the point to a 4-inch span and pin. Sew across the span. Repeat for the opposite side of the tote bag. This will form a flat bottom on your Christmas tote bag. Cut the triangle point off a 1/2 inch from the seam. Repeat for the lining. Turn only the tote bag right side out.

Step 5

Fold a handle in half lengthwise with the right sides together. Pin the long raw edges. Sew a 1/2-inch seam allowance along the pinned edge. Repeat for the other handle. Turn the handles right side out and press with the seams centered down the middle of one long side. Pin the short ends of one handle with the seam side out to one side of the tote bag. They should be centered on the top edge of the bag and spaced 4 inches apart. Turn the bag over and attach the other handle in the same way.

Step 6

Set the Christmas tote bag inside the lining and pin the top edges together. Sew completely around the top edge of the tote bag. Turn the Christmas tote bag right side out through the opening in the lining. Hand sew the opening closed.

About this Author

Based in the Midwest, Cyndee Kromminga has been writing craft and interior design articles for 15 years. Her articles and craft designs have appeared in Crafting Traditions Magazine, Easy Holiday Crafting Series-House of White Birches Newsletter and Country Woman Christmas Books. Kromminga's education is in interior design and she has experience operating a craft and design business for over 20 years.